Hawaii governor David Ige is a big proponent of programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program, created to increase access to the internet.
According to an Aug. 8 release from the governor’s office, the ACP “provides qualified households with up to $30 a month off internet service bills with a $75 discount for households on Hawaiian Home Lands.” Funding for the program comes from the $65 billion Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act passed by Congress in 2021.
“Grassroots efforts like these are building the momentum to bring us all into the 21st century,” Ige said in the release. “Whether it’s broadband affordability programs, access to devices, digital literacy instruction and most importantly, the environment that builds confidence and dignity, this has the potential to help thousands of kamaʻaina gain access to the digital world.”
Access to the digital landscape remains a priority as the nation and the state of Hawaii endure the lingering impact of the pandemic, the release reported. ACP is helping those who must work remotely, take classes online, attend virtual workshops and meetings and search for government and medical services online.
Currently, more than 29,000 households across Hawai’i are enrolled in the ACP, the release said, providing more than $7 million in benefits locally. While that appears to be a significant number, it’s only a start. It’s estimated more than 100,000 Hawaii households could qualify for the ACP, the release said.
In addition, a series of digital literacy classes offered by the Broadband Hui at the Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center taught computer literacy and how to access the ACP application, which was created in response to COVID-19, according to the release.
